MORBI

Morbi was the capital of the former princely state of Morbi,
ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan. The house of Morbi claimed seniority over
the Jadejas of Jamnagar and Kachchh.
The beautiful town of Morbi is located on the banks of the Machchhu River.
Floods devastated Morbi in 1979 AD, when Machchhu dam burst during heavy
rains. The folk song, which predicted this tragedy, years before it
happened, is still sung by the bards of the region.

The prosperous city state of Morbi and much of built heritage and town
planning is attributed to the efficient administration of Sir Waghji, who
came to the throne in 1879 AD and ruled till 1948 AD. Sir Waghji acted as
a ruler, manager, patron and policeman of the state with great authority,
always keeping the citizens' interests in mind.

Sir Waghji, like other contemporary rulers of Saurashtra, built roads,
railway network of seventy miles connecting Wadhvan and Morbi and two
small ports of Navlakhi and Vavlakhi and Vavania for exporting the state's
production of salt and cloth. The railway station of Morbi is a beautiful
example of Railway architecture, combining Indian and European
architectural elements.

Prime attractions

Darbargadh: Darbargadh, on the bank of Machchhu, is
an original residence of Morbi rulers. It can be reached by crossing an
imposing gate and arcaded façade. Now it is the only heritage hotel
at Morbi.

Mani Mandir: Mani Mandir is a temple situated in the courtyard of
Wellingdon Secretariat. The images of Laxmi Narayan, Mahakali,
Ramchandraji, Radha-Krishna and Shiva are enshrined in this temple. Mani
Mandir is made out of Jaipur stone with excellent workmanship and
exquisitely carved elements- arches, brackets, 'jalis', 'chhatris' and
'shikhara'.

Wellingdon Secretariat: It is an excellent example of the
application of principles of Rajput architecture by master craftsmen, at
the turn of the century.

Suspension Bridge: The Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel
built at the turn of the century, reflects the progressive and scientific
nature of the rulers of Morbi. This was built to give a unique identity to
Morbi using the latest technology available in those days, in Europe. It
is 1.25 m wide and spans 233 m on the Machchhu River connecting Darbargadh
Palace and Lakhdhirji Engineering College.

Green
Chowk: Green Chowk is a town square approached by a series of three
gates. European town planning principles inspired the creation of these
gates as landmarks in the town.

The Nehru Gate is made out of stone using elements of Rajput architecture
with central clock tower, while another one uses elements of western
architecture and is capped by a three-storeyed cast iron frame structure
with a dome.

Art Deco Palace: It is a marvellous example of influence of last
phase of art deco movement of Europe. It is a poetry in granite, a low
two-storey in banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which
resembles the London underground stations of Charles Holden. The palace
has six drawing rooms, six dining rooms, and fourteen bedrooms. The
decorated subterranean bedroom, with many erotic murals and a bathroom
made from seashells are also noteworthy.

Lakhdhirji Engineering College: Lakhdhirji Engineering College is
housed in Nazarbag Palace, a former residence of Morbi rulers.

The other places worth visiting at Morbi are V. C. High School, main
railway station and Nazarbag railway station.

Excursions

Dhrangadhra:
75 kms away, Dhrangdhra is known for its royal palaces.

Wadhvan: The main attraction of
this place are the royal palaces, the bazaar and the step wells. It is at
a distance of 107 kms.

Halvad: (48 kms) Halvad is famous
for its Ek-Dandia Mahal-Zalawad Darshan, wooden palace and the cenotaphs

Rajkot: (67 kms) famous for its
princely architecture, there aer many places worth seeing in Rajkot. Some
of them are Watson Museum, Rajkumar College, Ramkrishna Mission and Kaba
Gandhi no Delo.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air: Nearest airport is Rajkot (67 kms), Ahmedabad
(247 kms).

Rail: Nearest railway station is Wankaner (27 km)

Road: it is connected with Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

Local transport: non-metered auto rickshaws.

Where To Stay

Accommodation is available in various local guesthouses and
the Heritage Hotel at Darbargadh.